Evergreen Cahill primed to return to Blues' fold

BARRY CAHILL is set to rejoin the Dublin squad within the next month as some of Jim Gavin's more experienced panel member spy returns to the fold.

Conor McKeon
– 15 January 2013 11:00 AM

Cahill hasn't been part of Dublin's early season training programme but has committed to returning for a 12th season in blue and is primed to play at least some part in their forthcoming Allianz League Division 1 campaign.

Similarly, Bryan Cullen is enjoying an early season 'rest' and has already stated his intentions to see out the early rounds of the League as a spectator before taking up his spot in Gavin's extended playing squad.

There is less certainty, however, over the re-emergence of Alan Brogan, who is currently undergoing treatment for the injury which ruined his 2012.

Brogan had stated in interviews prior to Christmas that he had been diagnosed with Osteitis pubis-an inflammation of the pubis symphysis joint which causes lower abdominal and pelvic pain - and a potentially long-term injury.

He hasn't played any competitive football since the All-Ireland semi-final when he was introduced at half-time and then substituted again just 18 minutes later when the injury flared up again.

It is unlikely that he will feature prominently during the league, with management's priority focused on correcting the problem prior to the start of the championship.

Three of Brogan's fellow 2011 All-Ireland winners should, however, be available for the commencement of the league. Michael Darragh Macualey has shaken off the knock be picked up in the seasonal opener against Carlow while Cian O'Sullivan's troublesome hamstring is responding positively to treatment.

Still, given the Kilmacud Crokes man's historical problems with the injury, management could diagnose that he rest the injury for some of the League.

Gavin also confirmed that Kevin Nolan will come back into contention for the beginning of the league, when Dublin take on Cork in Croke Park on February 2 in the first game of the Spring Series.

That night will be used to mark the 100th anniversary of the Croke Park stadium, with the GAA are planning 'to put on a show' for supporters.